Heartburn may seem like a simple cause-and-effect problem. You overeat or eat spicy foods, your heart hurts and then you take an Alka-seltzer. Unfortunately, the causes aren't always so obvious. As you get older, you'll be surprised at the silly little things that can cause acid reflux disease.
Sometimes we come down with GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) as we age. Doctors estimate that at age 65, we'll have only 80% of the HCL (High Density Lipoprotein) digestive acid we had at 35. One contributing factor for acid reflux disease is our inability to produce enough stomach acid required to trigger the pancreas, the intestines and other functions needed during mineral absorption and waste removal. Never underestimate the heinous effects a sizable chunk of fatty food can leave behind! Before you know it, your food may be creeping back up the esophagus in a not-so-pleasant way.
Another cause for this disease is diet choices. As previously mentioned, when you eat a lot of fatty foods or enormous meals all at once, the body has trouble breaking down the proteins, which putrefy in your stomach as a result. Other times, too many spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, garlic, onions, peppers, fried food, alcohol, red wine and mint simply exacerbates our system.
It's not always what you eat but when you eat as well. People who eat two or three hours before bedtime often suffer tremendous, heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. They may be up coughing all night from breathing in the acid, they may snore and feel congested or they may have an asthmatic reaction, unable to breathe, let alone fall asleep! Nearly three-fourths of patients with heartburn acid reflux suffer nighttime effects as well. Another common mistake people make is quite the opposite - bending, lifting and working right after dinner. All the moving around could help push food back from where it came.
Believe it or not, some medications you're already on may be upsetting your stomach. Calcium channel blockers, Theophylline (Hydrophed, Marax, Bronchial, Quibron), Nitrates and Antihistamines can all relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, which is the valve that keeps food and fluids down after swallowing. If you're taking medication for asthma, high blood pressure, seizures, angina, pain, urinary tract disorders or allergies, check with your doctor to see if acid reflux is one of the side effects.
Are you pregnant? Increased hormone levels naturally relax ligaments in your body at this time, including the LES. Since more pressure is shifted around your midsection, it's natural for food or stomach acids to get pushed back up.
In rare instances, acid reflux disease can lead to esophageal cancer, ulcers, lactose intolerance and other issues in one's life. Sometimes it may be hard to sleep or even eat, without fear of getting sick. The good news is that there are supplements of amino acids or antacids you can take to alleviate your symptoms of acid reflux, at least for now. Other medication aims for longer lasting effects or preventative measures, so be sure to ask your doctor about your options.
Posted under General Health
This post was written by health_remedies on April 27, 2009
